Supporters and opponents of fox hunting have both claimed success after the first day of the new season - the first since a ban in England and Wales.

The Countryside Alliance said hunts had taken place within the law across the country, with thousands taking part.

Anti-hunt campaigners saw "relatively few" breaches, but said evidence would be given to the police in some cases.

Earlier, a report found 40% of hunts had broken the law since it took effect, but supporters dismissed that.

Hunting foxes with dogs was made illegal under the Hunting Act in February, but hounds can be used to follow a scent and to flush out a fox.

Birds of prey are allowed to be used to kill foxes lawfully

The fox can then be killed by a bird of prey or shot - if only two dogs are involved.

The Countryside Alliance said around 200 hunts had taken place. Anti-hunt campaigners were also out in force to monitor the meets.

League Against Cruel Sports spokesman Mike Hobday said: "We are very pleased that there seems to have been relatively little law-breaking today.

"There are a number of cases where we will be presenting videotape evidence to the police."

He said there had been reports of hounds chasing foxes until hunt members realised they were being filmed.

But Countryside Alliance Jill Grieve said: "We are confident that hunts have been hunting within the law today. It looks like all the hunts have been out and that they have managed to employ different methods successfully."